Persebaya Hunts For Historic Victory At Semen Padang's Home Ground

Friday, 15 May 2026 | 13:43

Author: Arif S

Persebaya Coaches Bernardo Tavares and Bruno Moreira.
Source: Antara by Rizal Hanafi

Summary

1. Persebaya Surabaya will travel to Semen Padang's home stadium with the objective of ending their winless drought during matches held in Padang.

2. Head coach Bernardo Tavares is utilising this poor historical record in Padang as additional motivation to drive the morale and competitive spirit of his squad.

3. Despite Semen Padang having already been confirmed for relegation, Persebaya remains alert to the threat posed by an opponent that will now compete with zero match pressure.

There is more at stake than just three points when Persebaya Surabaya Travel to the home ground of Semen Padang FC for the 33rd matchweek of the BRI Super League. Held at Haji Agus Salim Stadium on Friday (15/5) at 15.30 WIB, this fixture will be used by Bajul Ijo to end an 11-year winless drought in Padang.

Persebaya last secured victory in Padang back in 2015. Ever since that year, visits to Semen Padang's home ground have consistently proven a difficult ordeal for the Surabaya-based club.

Head coach Bernardo Tavares is fully aware of this record. He stated that this poor historical run should be used as extra fuel to raise the players' motivation.

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"Playing in Padang is always difficult. Looking at the history, Persebaya have never won at this stadium. We hope we can finally change that history tomorrow," said Tavares.

Padang is famously known for having a hostile atmosphere for visiting teams. However, Tavares believes this challenge must be faced head on if Persebaya wants to finish the season in the upper ranks of the league table.

"If we win, this will make history because Persebaya have never recorded a victory here. That must serve as additional motivation for every player," Tavares added.

Even though Semen Padang FC have already been officially relegated, the Portuguese coach stressed this match will not get any easier. He further noted that teams competing with nothing left to lose are very often far more dangerous opponents.

He has also put his side on alert for the possibility that the opposition will field players who barely received playing opportunities throughout the season.

"Sometimes the hardest matches are against teams that carry no pressure. The opposing coach may decide to play squad members who rarely get minutes. These players will absolutely want to make the most of this chance, and will fight with high motivation in every single duel," he stated.

On the other side, Persebaya still hold critical targets approaching the end of the season. Positions at the top of the table remain contested, and a win in Padang will keep their chances of finishing inside the top four alive.

For this reason, Tavares confirmed that his entire squad will remain fully ambitious to bring home the three points.

"Our target is always to win every match. If we can secure victory tomorrow, our chance to finish in fourth or fifth place will remain open," he concluded.

Quick Answer

Persebaya Surabaya Targets Historic Win At Semen Padang Home Ground After 11 Year Drought

Persebaya Surabaya will face Semen Padang at Haji Agus Salim Stadium on 15 May, targeting to end an 11-year winless drought in Padang. Coach Bernardo Tavares uses this poor record as motivation, and warns the already relegated home side remains a dangerous pressure-free opponent.

Persebaya have not won away at Semen Padang since 2015
Bernardo Tavares uses the 11-year drought as squad motivation
Relegated Semen Padang are considered a dangerous pressure-free opponent
A win will keep Persebaya in contention for the league top 4 finish

Persebaya Surabaya will travel to Haji Agus Salim Stadium on 15 May to face Semen Padang, with the clear target of ending an 11-year winless drought when playing away in Padang. This BRI Super League matchweek 33 fixture carries far more meaning than just three league points for the Surabaya side.

Historical record as squad motivation

Persebaya last recorded a victory at this ground back in 2015. Every subsequent visit to Padang has ended without a win for the club, a run head coach Bernardo Tavares is actively using to drive his squad morale.

"Playing in Padang is always difficult. Looking at the history, Persebaya have never won at this stadium. We hope we can finally change that history tomorrow," Tavares stated. He added that breaking this run would be a historic achievement for the team, and should act as extra fuel for every player.

No room for complacency

Despite Semen Padang already being officially confirmed as relegated from the league, Tavares has repeatedly warned his squad against underestimating their opponents.

He explained that sides competing with nothing left to lose are often the most dangerous. Semen Padang may also field fringe squad members who have received little playing time this season, players who will be highly motivated to prove their ability in this fixture.

Persebaya remain in the race for a top four finish in the final stages of the season. Securing three points in this match will keep their position in the upper league ranks within reach.

"Our target is always to win every match. If we can secure victory tomorrow, our chance to finish in fourth or fifth place will remain open," the Portuguese coach concluded.